slink

[ slingk ]

verb (used without object)

slunkslunk or (Archaic) slank slinking

1. to move or go in a furtive, abject manner, as from fear, cowardice, or shame.

   Synonyms: lurk, sneak, skulk

2. to walk or move in a slow, sinuous, provocative way.

verb (used with object)

slunkslunk or (Archaic) slank slinking

1. (especially of cows) to bring forth (young) prematurely.

noun

1. a prematurely born calf or other animal.

adjective

1. born prematurely:

   a slink calf.

slink

/ slɪŋk /

verb

1. intr to move or act in a furtive or cringing manner from or as if from fear, guilt, etc
2. intr to move in a sinuous alluring manner
3. tr (of animals, esp cows) to give birth to prematurely

noun

1. 1. an animal, esp a calf, born prematurely
   2. ( as modifier )

      slink veal

Other Word Forms

• slinking·ly adverb
• outslink verb (used with object) outslunk outslinking
• un·slinking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slink¹

First recorded before 1150; Middle English slynken (verb), Old English slincan “to creep, crawl”; cognate with Low German slinken, German schlinken

Word History and Origins

Origin of slink¹

Old English slincan; related to Middle Low German slinken to shrink, Old Swedish slinka to creep, Danish slunken limp

Example Sentences

"I tried to slink away and he was reeling me back," Annie says.

From BBC

As he slinks off, Royal says that the past six days have been the best of his life.

From Los Angeles Times

The GOP majority has turned over its constitutional prerogatives to Trump and Musk and is slinking away like a pack of beaten dogs.

From Salon

Yet by the end of her meal, she had slunk down so low her head was almost level to the table.

From Los Angeles Times

Not that you would know it from the way he first slinks onscreen, silent and watchful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lurk
• meander
• prowl
• sidle
• skitter
• skulk
• slither
• sneak
• undulate